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Here at 'Great Smoky Vacations', we have tried to compile a list of attractions and things to do in the area. It would truly be impossible to list all of the attractions and activities in the area. Here are a few attractions.

From Smoky Mountain apparel to beautiful, handmade pieces, the Gatlinburg shopping scene has so many things for you to discover. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir or a gift for a loved one, you're sure to find just what you set out for here. To help you plan for your trip, here are 5 of the best places to go shopping in Gatlinburg.

The Spice & Tea Exchange

The Spice & Tea Exchange is located in The Village Shoppes in Gatlinburg. You'll absolutely love the Old World spice trading atmosphere when you walk through the door. This specialty store offers more than 140 spices, over 80 exclusive hand-mixed blends, 16 naturally flavored sugars, an array of salts from around the world, and more than 30 exotic teas. Their main focus is to provide high-quality products and accessories to chefs, home cooks, and tea lovers. You'll be so excited to take these products home and try them out when you're cooking!

Pepper Palace

Another great stop in The Village Shops in Gatlinburg is the Pepper Palace! This store encourages a fun and fiery environment that you'll immediately notice when you step through the front door. Inside, you can browse through all of their famous hot sauces, salsas, seasonings, and rubs. Their small batch, handcrafted, natural, and award-winning products are just what you need to add a little charisma to your everyday meals that might be starting to taste a little bland.

Novus Candela Bath & Crafts

Who doesn't love a beautiful candle to add a warm glow to their home? The scented soy candles at Novus Candela Bath & Crafts are absolutely wonderful and are sure to make any room you put them in seem cozier. In addition to their lovely, handmade candles, you can also find goat's milk soaps and essential oils there. They also carry a large selection of gorgeous handmade quilts, jewelry, paintings, and scenic pictures.

The Celtic Shop

If you're planning on spending the afternoon on the Gatlinburg Parkway, you should definitely make a stop at The Celtic Shop! It features a wide selection of genuine Celtic pieces that were hand selected by the staff during their previous visits to Ireland and Scotland. From apparel and jewelry to posters and other fun knick-knacks, there are so many items for you to look at that will remind you of your trip to the Smokies and your heritage!

Brandywine Pottery

The pieces from Brandywine Pottery make both thoughtful gifts and great additions to any room in your house! The influential artist that this shop is named after, Brandy Ward, creates functional pottery inspired by the forests of the Smoky Mountains. Each of his pieces is hand thrown and glazed with an airbrush. His technique truly makes the pottery sold in this store one-of-a-kind.
There's always something new and unique to discover when you shop here! Come see all of these fantastic shops for yourself, and you'll most likely walk away with some amazing new treasures! Be sure to also check out all the other places to go shopping in Gatlinburg for a truly unforgettable trip.

There is no better place to spend your family vacation than in the Smoky Mountains! Our cabins provide you with a great place to stay, so now all that's left to decide is what you want to do while you're here. To help you plan your visit, we've put together a list of the top 4 family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg is a top destination for families all year long! If you visit during the winter, spend your day on the slopes skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. If you visit during the summer, try the water rides! There are exciting things to do year round at this ski and amusement park. You can ride the Ski Mountain Coaster, take in the views from the Aerial Tramway, or visit the Wildlife Encounter. There is even a special area just for the kids to enjoy with tunnels, slides, and rides!

Anakeesta

Anakeesta lets your whole family experience the magic of the mountains. Your adventure begins with a ride on the Scenic Chondola, with gorgeous views of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains all around you. Once you reach the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, you'll enter Firefly Village. Firefly Village is full of shops, dining, and entertainment. Ride the Dueling Zipline, try the Tree Canopy Walk, or play on the Treehouse Village Playground! There is so much fun for the family at Anakeesta. If you get hungry while you're there, be sure to try Cliff Top Grill & Bar, where you can top off a delicious meal with a gorgeous view.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, you'll have the chance to see all of your favorite aquatic animals! Not only that, but you'll also get to interact with some. You can touch a jellyfish, feed a sea turtle, swim with stingrays, and even waddle with penguins. Ripley's Aquarium has been voted one of the best aquariums in the country, and with all the unique experiences they offer, it's not hard to see why. One of the best experiences for families is the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure. You'll travel out into the middle of Shark Lagoon, with just 3 inches of glass separating you from the 12-foot sharks that call the lagoon home!

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Ripley's Believe It or Not! is full of the most strange and unusual items from all across the world. There are 3 stories that each include hundreds of artifacts and oddities. You'll have the chance to see shrunken heads, an albino giraffe, the world's tallest man, a car covered in crystals, and so much more. There are also fun interactives for the kids to enjoy. Our favorite part of the odditorium is the tribute gallery to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes exhibits on the synchronized fireflies and the world's tallest underground waterfall.

These are just some of the best family-friendly things to do when you visit! Check out more things to do in Gatlinburg, and start planning your trip.

The iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 407′ observation tower that overlooks breathtaking views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. Ride a glass elevator to an observation deck for a 360° view.

From the Parkway a gondola carries you up to the top of Anakeesta Mountain, where Firefly Village, zip lining a mountain coaster, shops and a playground awaits you. The gondola does stop to let people on and off. There could be a wait to take a gondola back down the mountain. You can also take ski lift chairs which are quicker than the gondola. Can be an extremely long wait during busy times. I believe it opens at 10 AM. There is a great view of the city and the mountains. Bring a coat for the chair lift.

Great Smoky Vacations shares some of the best things to do in the Smoky Mountains that you don't want to miss when you visit.

5 Can't-Miss Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains are full of incredible things to do for everyone in the family! From amusement parks to museums, you can do it all. To help you decide where to go on your vacation, we've put together a list of 5 can't-miss things to do in the Smoky Mountains.

1. Ripley's Believe It or Not!Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Gatlinburg has 3 stories filled with odd and unusual items from all around the world. You will love getting to interact with and learn about some of the strangest things on Earth! Some of the things you can expect to see when you visit are authentic shrunken heads, mind-boggling visual illusions, an albino giraffe, a car covered in crystals, and so much more. There is even a tribute galley to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which includes exhibits on the synchronous fireflies, the tallest underground waterfall, and more.

2. Hollywood Star Cars Museum
Take a tour through the Hollywood Star Cars Museum to see cars from the most famous movies and TV shows of the last 50 years! The cars are each set up in recreated settings with sound, lights, and action, so you'll actually feel like you're a part of the movie or show. See cars from the Fast and Furious movie franchise, the Batmobile, Paul McCartney's Cadillac, and so much more. Not only can you look at the cars, you can purchase a souvenir photo of you actually inside one of them! Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to get your photo or to buy a die-cast Hollywood collectible.

3. Dollywood
Of course you don't want to miss the chance to visit the world-famous Dollywood! This theme park has more than 40 rides, high-energy entertainment, and award-winning dining. If you're looking for a thrill, ride the Drop Line or the Lightning Rod! For a more relaxing ride, climb aboard the Dollywood Express for a 5-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. While you're at Dollywood, be sure to try some of the famous cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill! The park also holds festivals throughout the year to help guests celebrate the seasons, like the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas. There are days of fun to be had at Dollywood!

4. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Come face to face with your favorite aquatic animals at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This aquarium was rated one of the best in the country and it's not hard to understand why. From 12-foot sharks to jellyfish, you can see it all! Ripley's even offers unique experiences that allow you to interact with some of the animals. You can waddle with penguins, swim with stingrays, and even touch moon jellies!

5. The Island in Pigeon ForgeThe Island in Pigeon Forge is your one stop for affordable family fun. There are rides, shops, restaurants, and so much more. Whether you're looking for the perfect souvenir to take back home or a place to share a delicious family meal, you can find it all at The Island. While you're there, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel to see gorgeous views of the Smoky Mountains from as high as 200 feet in the air. You can also relax and watch The Island Show Fountain, which puts on a dazzling performance of water dance and light.

More than 500 exhibits, artifacts, and oddities from around the world. Real Shrunken heads are on display, as well as a 12-foot-tall car-part robot, an authentic vampire-killing kit, hands-on interactive and a spinning-vortex tunnel.